Benefits of Taking a Vacation

Summer is a popular time to take a vacation, especially in August when families take vacations before kids head back to school.  Taking a vacation any time of year is great idea especially if you have lots of vacation hours on the books. Whether you have a budget set aside for vacation or no budget to speak of, it’s not too late to plan your next vacation.

Even the best of us stress out or become negative after enduring long stretches of work, without a break.  If we do not break away temporarily from the work environment, all emotions become more pronounced and the “uglies” may come out. Long durations of stress, anxiety and pressure or even simple routine tasks can make us grouchy, unpleasant or bored. Breaking away from the everyday allows us to rejuvenate so that we can return to the workplace with renewed enthusiasm.

Often when we think about vacation, our focus is placed simply on relaxation. But vacation can provide so many benefits. 

As you plan your next vacation, consider incorporating the following:

• Go someplace different and learn about a new culture, try different foods, dance to different beats, learn to cook
• Learn about a new country, new region, state or city
• Learn a new language (just simple greetings will go a long way)
• Make new friends
• Explore photography
• Spend quality time with yourself or loved ones
• Go outside and breathe fresh air and clear your mind; simply be
• Take a long walk by the sea, in nature, in an open field – wherever you feel at peace

How can you tell if a vacation has payoffs?

• When you return to the office, you will most likely be in a better mood. All the little things that used to annoy you before now seem trivial
• Your creative juices might start flowing again
• You may find that you are more patient or tolerant of others
• You just might be motivated to tackle those not so interesting or difficult projects that you had been putting off
• You have used your hard earned vacation hours in a meaningful way
• You will be motivated to plan your next vacation

Some of you may think: “As if I have the budget for a vacation.” Many people can’t take a vacation because it’s just too costly to get away.  If so, try a STAYCATION. You don’t have to travel somewhere to get away from the grind.

Consider staying home and relaxing in these ways:

• Turn off, or mute, all electronics and put the “out of office” respond on all your e-mails. Commit to not checking your work e-mails
• Visit a popular attraction in your own city, perhaps a museum or a park
• Visit a nearby city or region
• Go wine tasting
• Spend the day at the beach/lake reading a book, or watching people
• Make plans to go out with friends, perhaps a nice dinner or movie or both
• Throw a dinner party and get together with friends you haven’t seen in a long time
• Invite a friend to visit with you and spend time together
• Go for long walks or a hike
• Get a massage
• Engage in a new hobby or take an art class
• Get lost in your garden
• Take a nice long nap in a hammock
• For those of you who can’t unwind- how about tackling a big project that you have been putting off such as cleaning out your garage? Organizing your closet? Even volunteering at a local shelter and giving back to your community.

The important thing is to disconnect and enjoy the time in ways that bring you joy, whether that includes taking a 2-hour nap under your favorite tree or surfing at your local beach.

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More Good Reads on Why Taking a Vacation is so Important

7 benefits of taking vacation time by Herb Scribner

In addition to money woes, writer Herb Scribner shares other reasons why Americans do not take vacations and why they should. In his article, Scribner claims, “Working all the time and getting things done might make you think you’re the king of the world. But your brain is feeling something completely different.” … read more

The Case for Vacation: Why Science Says Breaks Are Good for Productivity by Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson, Senior Editor of The Atlantic, argues, “Europeans understand that breaks improve workplace efficiency. We mistakenly believe that more hours will always increase output, while ignoring the clear evidence: The secret to being an effective worker is not working too hard.” … read more

Take Vacations for Stress Relief by Elizabeth Scott

Wellness Coach and Author Elizabeth Scott makes an excellent point when she remarks, “A good vacation can help us to reconnect with ourselves, operating as a vehicle for self-discovery and helping us get back to feeling our best.” … read more